If you’re struggling with a general anxiety disorder, you may feel like or have yourself convinced that you’re the only person who is struggling with anxiety. You may feel shame and try to keep your anxiety hidden. However, you’re not alone. In fact, over 31% of adults in the U.S. struggle with anxiety at some point in their life. Of those who struggle with anxiety, only around 37% seek treatment.

In your world of constant fear, worry, and unease, you can find relief in the knowledge there is help for anxiety. A therapist can help you find convenient and confidential help with therapy and coping machanisms.

Benefits of seeing a therapist for general anxiety disorder

It can be a difficult decision to reach out for help when you’re struggling with a general anxiety disorder. You may feel like a failure for not being able to cope with your anxiety. However, you should be proud you’re reaching out for help. It takes great bravery to accept you can’t do it alone.

Seeking the help of a therapist comes with numerous benefits including:

Diagnosing your condition — If you’ve never formally been diagnosed with anxiety, a therapist can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and give you a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, your therapist can come up with an individualized treatment plan.

Identifying your triggers — A therapist can provide you with a safe and private place to examine what triggers your anxiety. This can be through discussing your childhood, any traumatic or stressful events you experienced, your relationships, and your current thoughts and behaviors. Once the cause of your triggers is identified, your therapist can then help you learn how to cope with your triggers in a healthy manner.

Learning and adopting healthy coping mechanisms — Through your treatment, you can learn healthy coping mechanisms. It may take some trial and error to learn what coping skills help you the most. Coping mechanisms used may include journaling, yoga, breathing exercise, or meditation.

Decreasing the likelihood of slipping back into unhealthy habits — The longer you work with your therapist, can decrease the likelihood of slipping back into unhealthy coping habits. Keeping up with healthy coping habits can help you achieve a happier and healthier life.

It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to say you need help and can’t do this on your own.

Virtual or in-person therapy: what’s best for you?

COVID-19 brought about many challenges and a rise in virtual treatment. While the pandemic has abated, the benefits of virtual care are still in high demand. How do you decide to do in-person traditional therapy or virtual therapy? It boils down to your individual needs and preferences. Virtual or in-person therapy can give you the supportive care you need. Both come with benefits and disadvantages.

Benefits of virtual therapy:

Personalization — Seeking virtual therapy can allow you to seek a therapist’s care that isn’t hindered by insurance restrictions. This can give your therapist a better ability to provide you with the quality care you deserve.

Flexibility — Virtual therapy can allow therapists better flexibility with their schedules for their clients.

Accessibility — Virtual therapy can give you access to your therapist quickly. You’ll never have to wait long for the care you need and deserve. You can receive care from your therapist without leaving the comfort of your home.

Privacy — Your privacy is important. Virtual therapy can offer complete confidentiality through concierge mental health services. Your private records will never be shared without your consent with insurance companies out of the equation. No one needs to know you are seeking mental health care unless you choose to share.

Disadvantages of virtual therapy:

Internet reliability — If you live in a rural area and don’t have quality internet service, it can affect your ability to seek therapy.

Communication limitations — Despite the ability to be able to communicate 24/7, it shouldn’t be assumed that you will receive a response 24/7. Your therapist will communicate as quickly as possible. Tone can also be a barrier if text and email communication is used.

Benefits of in-person therapy:

Nonverbal communication — An in-person therapy session can better allow body language and other non-verbal cues to be read by your therapist. It is possible for nonverbal communication to be used in virtual therapy, but in-person therapy still holds the advantage of complete nonverbal communication.

Neutral location — While being able to have a therapy session in the comfort of your own home, a therapist’s office allows you to have a neutral and safe space away from your everyday life.

Disadvantages of in-person therapy:

Accessibility — In-person therapy requires transportation and time. Taking time to travel and attend the session can cut time from priorities forcing you to choose what is more important.

Timing — In-person therapy can have a long wait list to receive treatments due to the availability of the therapist. Virtual therapy can be available across the country depending on licensing.

A general anxiety disorder doesn’t have to control your life

Life is complicated and messy. When it comes to mental health, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all. At Halcyon Therapy Group, we understand just how important you and your unique situation and perspectives are. That’s why we offer a suite of services tailored specifically to you and your needs. You deserve better, and we are here to help. Book your complimentary consultation today and start living the life you always dreamed of.